In Loving Memory of Cornal Hendricks: A Life Full of Service, Strength and Spirit

Cornal Hendricks, a beloved ambassador of Samaritan’s Feet and celebrated South African rugby star, passed away suddenly at the age of 37 from a suspected heart attack.

His loss is felt deeply by the global Samaritan’s Feet family and all who had the honor of witnessing his unwavering commitment to serving others. A leader on and off the field, Cornal’s legacy is one of service, strength, and spirit.

Cornal rose to prominence as a standout wing and center for the South Africa national rugby union team, the Springboks, earning international acclaim for his strength, agility, and sportsmanship. Yet beyond the roar of stadiums and championship titles, Cornal carried a quiet mission in his heart: to use his platform to uplift others. He first encountered Samaritan’s Feet before a major international match, when our founder Manny Ohonme spoke to the Springboks during their pre-game chapel. Moved by the message, Cornal made a vow. If South Africa won the game, the team would shed their shoes in solidarity with the millions of children around the world who live barefoot every day. They won, and Cornal led them barefoot into the global spotlight, a moment that rippled far beyond the final whistle.

That gesture was not a one-time act of symbolism. It marked the beginning of Cornal’s lasting partnership with Samaritan’s Feet, where he served as our first South African Barefoot Ambassador. In communities across the Western Cape and beyond, he became a steadfast presence at shoe distributions and foot-washing events, always greeting children with humility and grace. He knelt to serve with the same intensity and care he once brought to the rugby field.

In 2016, Cornal deepened his commitment to service by founding the Cornal Hendricks Foundation (CHF), aimed at empowering youth through sport, mentorship, and education.

Through CHF and his continued work with Samaritan’s Feet, Cornal helped distribute thousands of shoes to children in need, proving that the greatest legacy isn’t built in stadiums, but in schools, villages, and neighborhoods where hope is needed most.

One of the most impactful moments of Cornal’s partnership came in February 2016, when he led his foundation’s very first outreach in his hometown of Wellington. In collaboration with Samaritan’s Feet, the event brought together hundreds of volunteers at the CPUT Wellington Sportfields to distribute 1,500 pairs of shoes to children from rural communities in the Drakenstein region. The day was filled with joy, activity, and inspiration, including a closing ceremony with government and community leaders. It was a vivid reflection of Cornal’s vision to not only give, but to uplift.

Reflecting on Cornal’s life and service, Samaritan’s Feet Founder and CEO Manny Ohonme shared, “Truly one of the best human, servant, and resilient human beings I have ever met. He loved deeply, served richly, and gave generously. He was the first South African star and Bok rugby player to say YES to serve as an ambassador for Samaritan’s Feet International.  He led and the team followed. I will never forget you.”

His life was a testament to the power of purpose and perseverance. After being diagnosed with a serious heart condition in 2015, Cornal was forced to step away from professional rugby. But in true Cornal fashion, he returned to the sport years later, not only reclaiming his place on the field but proving to himself and others that setbacks do not define one’s story.

Cornal Hendricks was more than an athlete. He was a servant leader, a bridge-builder, a husband, a father, and a dear friend. His passing leaves a silence that echoes deeply within us, yet his impact will continue to resound through every pair of shoes given, every child uplifted, and every act of kindness inspired by his example.

We grieve with his family, especially his wife Stephaney and their children, and extend our heartfelt prayers in this time of loss. As we honor Cornal’s memory, we recommit ourselves to the values he lived so fully: faith, service, courage, and love.

May he rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire us to walk alongside those in need, just as he did.

To honor his legacy, Samaritan’s Feet is planning a commemorative shoe distribution event inspired by the outreach Cornal led in 2016. The event will be held in South Africa in February 2026 to mark the 10-year anniversary and will serve as a tribute to his vision and heart for service. A special donation fund has been set up in his memory to support this effort and continue his work of creating opportunities and change through compassion. Click Donate Below to help give 1500 people new shoes!